No preview available
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2005-02-09 Water and Sewer Advisory Committee Minutesv EIVED f WATER, SEWER AND STORM WATER MANAGEMENT. R K k ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES 1 I G, M i S S. February 9, 2005 NO' A meeting of the Water, Sewer and Storm Water Management Advisory Committee (WSSWMAC) was held at 7:35 PM on Wednesday, February 9, 2005, in the Berger Room, Reading Town Hall, 16 Lowell Street, Reading, MA. In attendance were Chairman Stephen Crook, Secretary "John Wood, Committee members Richard Moore and Steve Oston, Town Engineer Joseph Delaney, DPW Business Supervisor John Sousa, and DPW Director Ted McIntire. Storm Water Management Program Joe Delaney reviewed the package items and there was a discussion on the Board of Health regulation option. Joe would like comments on the draft which has also been forwarded to Town Council for review. The Committee reviewed the draft bylaw and provided numerous recommendations to Joe. It was noted that the proposed regulation may be too broad and may not be appropriate as a regulation under the Board of Health but may be more appropriate under an other board or committee. Joe noted that Town staff felt a major advantage of the regulation under the Board of Health is that any necessary revisions in the regulations can be done in a public hearing. If it was a bylaw, that was approved by Town Meeting it would have to go back to Town meeting for any revisions which could take a substantial amount of time. It was moved by John Wood, seconded by Richard Moore and approved by a vote of 4-0 that the document be forwarded to the Board of Health with the proposed revisions recommended by the Water, Sewer and Storm Water Management Advisory Committee identified. Joe reviewed the proposed FY2006 budget for the Storm Water Management Program. Salaries included operational as well as support staff time. Expenses reflected contracted equipment for street sweeping, a vacuum truck, vehicles, parts and supplies. The capital plan was developed for a ten year planning period including purchase of equipment and financing of major ditch improvements, including design services. Average program cost over a ten year period is $509,075. The cost per household per year would be $57.85. Richard Moore commented on the court case regarding the city of Fall River, MA and the issue of a fee verses a tax. Richard noted that Reading's proposal is to assess all properties and the revenues, unlike Fall River, are earmarked for a storm water enterprise program. Fall River put revenues into the general fund. He feels the proposed Board of Health regulation is a general benefit to the Town. Joe indicated that the Town Meeting will be requested to approve an enterprise fund for storm water management and that the WSSWMAC will make a recommendation on the assessment methodology to the Board of Selectmen. Joe will have the G.I.S. Coordinator (Kim Honetschlager) take a look at impervious areas on different sections of Town and different zoning areas. He would recommend a separate WSSWMAC meeting to review and evaluate different assessment methodologies, and choose a recommended methodology. The four methodologies identified in the Chicopee, MA cost benefit analysis should be evaluated. The Town should identify a method of abatement based on certain criteria also. The next meeting to discuss the storm water management program will be on February 16, 2005. Minutes - WSAC February 9, 2005.doc Page 1 of 2 FY2006 Water and Sewer Rates John Sousa reviewed the rate package with the Committee. The yearly increase in total water and sewer rates will be maintained at a level of 5.5% a year through FY2010, at which time borrowing costs for the water treatment construction kick in. The sewer debt in the amount of $83,677 is payment for the 0% loan to the MWRA for the I/I program. Ted indicated that we have not received the recommended budget from the Town Manager at this time. Once we receive that information, John will prepare a package for the Committee identifying the recommended FY2006 water and sewer rates. EPA Grant The Town is taking part in a program with the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation related to water conservation within the Ipswich River Watershed. We will be taking part in a pilot program for the use of an innovated irrigation technology demonstration at town athletic facilities and work with homeowners who are willing to join in the demonstration pilot project. The other program we have committed to is reporting the results of our Water Conservation Program involving rebates for washing machines, toilets, and rain sensors; water audits and the installation of water saving devises in dwellings throughout the community. This program is funded by a grant from the federal government. Water Issues Water Treatment Plant - The value engineering company hired by the Town will be review the 60% design plans prepared by CDM and they will provide a recommendation to the Town. MWRA Water System - The Water Resources Commission has approved the interbasin transfer for the Town of Reading's connection to the MWRA's water system. There has been a request for a rehearing by the Ipswich River Watershed Association and private citizens. The next meeting of the Water Resources Commission is February 10, 2005, which has been cancelled. They are looking at rescheduling on February 24, 2005. The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Water Resources Commission is on Thursday, March 10, 2005. A decision by the Water Resources Commission to rehear information on the interbasin transfer will be taken up at either the February or March meeting. It was moved by Steve Oston, seconded by John Wood and approved by a vote of 4-0 to adjourn the meeting at 10:28 PM. Minutes - WSAC February 9, 2005.doc Page 2 of 2